Rebel, sweetheart.

8.12.2017

Make Home Cleaners with the Kids This Summer.

You have two tasks this summer, keep the kids busy and keep the house clean. Probably not always in that order. Why not keep the kids busy by creating a fun, sensory engaging activity that also helps keep the house clean?
You know that sounds great!

You’re going to have the kids make home cleaners that aren’t filled with harsh chemicals. Occupied kids. Clean house. No killer chemicals. Mom scores with the summer hat trick!

Get the spray bottles ready and the kids lined up on the patio table. It’s time to make some green home cleaning products, Portland style. Here are our three favorite greenhouse cleaners the kids can help make.

Busy as a bee!

Peppermint Shower Spray
Peppermint shower spray is a natural cleaner that fights icky shower mildew and shower scum. Once you have the mixture, keep a bottle in every shower and spray it down after use. You’ll love the lingering smell and feel great about keeping the shower clean without much effort.

To make the peppermint shower spray, you’ll need rubbing alcohol, water and peppermint essential oil. (If they kids aren’t helping you, feel free to substitute the rubbing alcohol for vodka; it works better and you can take a swig as needed.)

Mix 1 cup of water with ½ cup of rubbing alcohol. Add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Put it in the spray bottle. Shake to mix. That is it!Disinfectant Cleaner
With the shower becoming such a happy spot in the house because of the new cleaning spray, you’ll want to expand to have the entire house clean with happy smells. This disinfectant cleaner is all-natural but truly does kill off germs.

Again, vodka can be substituted for rubbing alcohol and lavender can be substituted for lemon. Add actual lemon rinds to the mixture for added effect.

To use the disinfecting cleaner, spray surfaces, allow it to sit for 10 minutes and then wipe away. For best results, us a microfiber cloth.

Note: This spray is not for granite or marble. The vinegar may actually etch the surface of these stones.Stainless Steel Polish
If you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on that fancy stainless steel cleaning solution, here is a cost-effective solution that really works too. And the ingredients are almost always in stock in the kitchen, because you really only need two things: olive oil and paper towels.

Rather than have the kids make this, challenge them to see who can get a better reflection in the refrigerator door.

Simply put a quarter-sized dab on a folded paper towel. Allow it to soak into the paper towel and then start at the top of the stainless steel appliance, applying the oil with the grain of the stainless steel. Work from left to right.

Once you’ve applied the olive oil to the entire appliance, rub away any excess. Buff out the finish with a paper towel or use a microfiber towel for a real sharp shine on the stainless steel.

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replies:

WOW, great ideas! I haven't tried asking the kids cleaning our home but maybe now I will. I am scared they might get sick because of the chemical cleaning materials we usually have around. Thanks to you, we can try a different approach now.

Love the idea of creating green cleaning products with the kids! Not only are you teaching them about how to environmentally conscious, you're also teaching them the responsibilities of helping out at home. :D

I don't have kids but I do love making my own cleaning products. I use a lot of white vinegar and baking soda and lemon. It was both gross and awesome to see how lemon gets things out the shower. However having a cleaning product that doubles as a cocktail sounds fun lol

These are all awesome green cleaners the kids can help make and even use them which is a plus. The disinfectant cleaner is something I am going to make and use lavender essential oil for one bottle and lemon for another. Thanks for sharing the recipes. and the idea.

Isn't it great to have kids, cause then you have someone to boss around, I don't even need to get up anymore I just yell out one of my kids' name and ask for what I need. It's like having your own butler but for free!😂 I'm kidding of course!😂

Although I do teach my children how to do household chores, I'm lucky they're great and love to help out, they're old enough now so I don't have to elaborate on what they need to do, they just figure it out.